I had another blog a while ago, but I started The Black Velveteen in 2014 when I moved back to Denver after finishing grad school. It was born from my insane boredom from not having a job, wanting to channel creative energy after doing science for almost two years, and was boosted by my interest in Instagram, which was starting…

For those who have a yard or garden, having a personal compost bin has a lot of benefits. Why give all that yummy plant food to the city when it could nourish your plants at home? However, composting can be a little trickier for apartment dwellers.Â In Cherry Creek curbside pickup comes with a quarterly cost, but you can drop compost…

The holidays are a time to gather around the table and enjoy the great unifier that is delicious, savory food. If you’re also looking to imbibe in some literal holiday spirits this year, elevate your holiday meals with expert wine pairings to get more out of your favorite holiday flavors.

The last few years have seen an explosion of new fitness technology, making it easier to track everything from the number of steps taken in a given day to how our friends are doing with their gym aspirations. To help make sense of the overwhelming number of fitness wearables and apps currently on the market, Highlands Ranch Lifestyle talked to…

1. Kennedy Sunglasses in Tortoise shell by Boulder's Zeal Optics - I tend to lose sunglasses on a weekly basis which means I've gone through way more shades that the average bear. These are without a doubt the best I'be come across. I keep coming back again and again.

Custom Tailored Clothing – There is nothing like the look and fit of a custom-made shirt or jacket – I have recently been connected with the guys from the Bepoke Edge – they are market leaders in the industry and help me look my best.

Jessica Wenger is a seasoned costume designer whose tenure in Hollywood includes countless TV, film, print and commercial projects. Currently a stylist on the Netflix hit series “House Of Cards,” Jessica has worked with myriad celebrities including Kevin Spacey, Emma Stone, Michelle Monaghan and Bruce Willis, as well as several seasons on Dancing With The Stars and Entertainment Tonight.

1 The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, India is my favorite hotel in the world. So romantic and stimulating all senses. I thought I died and went to heaven. When I was there the whole crew from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was staying there to shoot the 2nd movie.